What is the Network Rail controversy?


What is the Network Rail controversy? Network Rail has sparked anger by refusing to award annual bonuses to staff who went on strike in a long-running dispute. The decision could affect up to 20,000 members of the RMT union, whose members took industrial action over pay, jobs and working conditions.


Can I still travel during a train strike?

Most importantly, know that it is possible to travel on strike days. Trains run on some routes, and your rights to compensation and help in the event of disruption aren't any different. If there's a train scheduled to run, go ahead and catch it!


Why are Network Rail striking?

The Rail, Maritime and Transport workers union has had strikes since last summer over calls for better pay. The company that owns and manages Britain's vast railway network has taken a firm stance against employees who participated in major strike action over the past year: it won't pay them their annual bonuses.


How much do train drivers get paid in London?

The average train driver salary in London is £58,795, with experienced professionals in the region having salaries that often exceed £69,000, while train driver salaries in Scotland start at £38,194 for newly qualified drivers, rising to £48,360 after the probation period has ended.


What do the rail workers want?

Railroad workers first threatened to strike in July after more than three years of failed contract negotiations. The unions have generally pushed for a pay increase, better working conditions, relaxed attendance rules, and additional paid time off without fear of punishment.


Will there be train strikes in September 2023?

Railway services, airport staff, train drivers, universities, and junior doctors are all set to go on strike during the month of September. The set of strikes comes shortly after RMT and ASLEF train strikes, junior doctors and airport ground workers went on strike in August.


Why are rail workers striking 2023?

Why are rail workers striking? Unions say they want a pay offer reflecting the rising cost of living. But the rail industry is under pressure to save money, after the pandemic left a hole in its finances. The industry says changes to ways of working need to be agreed in order for pay to go up.


Will there be train strikes in July 2023?

When are the RMT strikes taking place? RMT members working across 14 train operating companies will take strike action on Thursday July 20, Saturday July 22 and Saturday July 29. 20,000 rail workers from 14 train companies will be taking part in the action.


What did Biden do to rail workers?

After campaigning as the most pro-union presidential candidate in history, Biden signed into law a measure that makes a rail strike illegal.


What do train drivers earn?

As of Sep 26, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Train Driver in the United States is $17.76 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $28.61 and as low as $8.65, the majority of Train Driver wages currently range between $14.18 (25th percentile) to $19.23 (75th percentile) across the United States.


What is the problem with a rail strike?

It wouldn't take long for the effects of a rail strike to trickle through the economy. Many businesses have only a few days' worth of raw materials and space for finished goods. Makers of food, fuel, cars and chemicals would all feel the squeeze, as would their customers.